Three Manchester men arrested over arson attacks that could be linked to Teesside shooting

The trio, aged 25, 38 and 60, have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life in connection with two house fires in South Bank, at around the same time of a shooting on the nearby A66.

The A66 where there was a van was allegedly targeted in a firearm attack

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Three Manchester men have been arrested in connection with two suspected arson attacks that could be linked to a targeted shooting.

The trio, aged 25, 38 and 60 from the Manchester area, have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life in connection with two house fires in South Bank, Middlesbrough, at around the same time of a shooting on the nearby A66.

A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in what they believe was a targeted attack on a van on the A66 in South Bank.

The overturned Vauxhall Vivaro van was found with extensive damage believed to have been caused by a firearm at 11.45pm on Friday.

Witnesses have told police that two people fled from the van before the emergency services arrived.

It is believed that one of them may have been injured in the crash.

The man arrested for the attempted murder has been bailed pending further enquiries.

One of the fires happened in Steele Crescent and one in Resource Close and police are keeping an open mind as to whether the fires are linked to the shooting.

Detective Inspector Matt Murphy-King said: “A team of detectives have been dedicated to the investigation to find out the circumstances of the collision.

“We are conducting a number of lines of inquiry in the local area.

“I’m appealing for anyone with information to come forward, no matter how brief the information is as it could assist in determining what has happened.”

The eastbound carriageway was closed while police investigated the scene on Friday night into Saturday and recovered the vehicle.

Anyone who has information is asked to call Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101.